Perioperative Nursing Leader & Educator — Amanda Heitman, BSN, RN, CNOR, is a seasoned perioperative nurse with over 20 years of experience. She serves as a Perioperative Educational Consultant for Periop Anew and as Surgical Services Supervisor at WakeMed Cary Hospital in North Carolina. Her career is marked by a strong commitment to patient safety, nursing education, and professional advocacy.

Educational Leadership: Heitman has been the administrator for AORN's Periop 101 program at WakeMed Cary Hospital since 2015, achieving a 100% success rate in training new perioperative nurses.Professional Recognition: In 2016, she received the Professional Nursing Excellence Award from WakeMed Health & Hospitals.

Advocacy and Leadership Roles: Chair of the North Carolina Council of Operating Room Nurses (NCCORN) since 2024.Member of the AORN National Legislative Committee, advocating for smoke evacuation legislation in North Carolina.President of Capital North Carolina AORN Chapter (20182019).

Educational Contributions: Heitman has been an active speaker and educator, presenting at various conferences and webinars on topics such as the role of OR educators, sharps safety, and patient advocacy.

Personal Background: Originally from Kansas, Heitman's early experiences assisting her osteopathic grandfather inspired her nursing career. She holds an Associate of Science from Cloud County Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fort Hays.